Post by thepeppers on Jan 13, 2013 0:17:21 GMT -5

There is Fireworks Supermarket in Blountville TN, and its worth stopping. I know there are about 10 different ones across the east and midwest...but I can tell you the one in Blountville is very nice. Big variety with videos of what the fireworks do and everything. Also very clean bathrooms.

Its also only about 10 minutes away from exit 7 in Bristol that has all kinds of restaurants.

Post by George on Jan 15, 2013 15:54:34 GMT -5

Any particularly impressive farmer's markets along the way from the northeast? My parents make a point to hit up farmers markets every time they travel anywhere, and I think it's a good idea. It would be awesome to get some fresh produce along the way on my 15 hour drive to Roo

I'm not sure how the timing will work out for you, but one of the two market's I use it called Marker-Miller Orchards. It's in Northern Virginia, just off 81. Really everything there is outstanding and you can really do quite well for your money. The Arlington Farmer's Market is better, but it's a Saturday only event, so it doesn't really suit your needs. Just thought I'd throw it out there for anyone else in the DC metro area.

Post by woobs on Jan 27, 2013 10:11:47 GMT -5

We arent all "buckwild" and "wrong turn". It really saddens me that WVians have such a bad name. Some of the nicest and hardest working people live in this state. I have to travel all the time for my job and its extremely sad that no matter where I go across the U.S. people dont even realize West Virginia is a state. wth is wrong with people. Sorry for the rant, I just hate hate hate seeing this crap. Montani Semper Liberi

Post by sheiscindy on Jan 27, 2013 21:28:00 GMT -5

If you are going back home southwards through Chatanooga, see ROCK CITY. It is a magical place; caves, shaded/woodsy trails, suspension bridges over mountain creeks, gnomes, and fairy winged folks - a perfect psychedelic ending to the sights and sounds of Roo!

Post by Chellaroo on Jan 29, 2013 8:43:59 GMT -5

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit! We come from MA to go to Roo, and on the way home we shack up in Gatlinburg, ride up the Smoky (Smokie?) Mountains and enjoy the sweet little mountain town. IT'S SO CUTE THERE! We may have to stay in Rock City this year, it looks amazing!

Post by dangermouse on Apr 14, 2013 9:04:28 GMT -5

Rock Island State Park is only about an hour or less before Manchester off 40W. Great place to spend the night, theres some amazing trails with waterfalls that you can jump off of into deep swimming holes. Great spot to either stay a day or so before and cruise into Roo relaxed, or unwind for a while after. Neither of these are mine btw. I liked Hell Hole better.

Post by dangermouse on Apr 14, 2013 12:31:45 GMT -5

Seeing as how mcminnville is only 20 minutes away, this may be a great pit stop!

I meant to do a write up about it, but completely forgot We found it by accident and ended up staying there the two days we allotted to dawdle our way home. The only problem was my female friend you see in the pics cant swim, so I dont guess she had near as much fun as me.

Post by Ellie on Apr 14, 2013 12:52:40 GMT -5

I can swim but I probably wouldnt jump in... I'd admire the view and take tons of pics though!

I may stop by there even though it's north of McMinnville, so we'd have to go north 20 minutes and then I guess an hour back to Manchester. I'm volunteering so thinking of doing a quick stop on Tuesday morning before check-in. Probably would save us time to not swim...or at least be prepared to not shower after a quick dip.

Post by Ellie on Apr 14, 2013 12:59:13 GMT -5

No, I was asking what's interesting about McMinnville, since you mentioned it in the same refrain.

ah. My hotel stop, most likely, before heading to the farm on Tuesday for volunteer check-in. Rock Island is somewhat convenient. I usually like to take 1 nice pit stop on the way to our Monday night hotel or near it on Tuesday.

I've stopped at Foamhenge in VA on the way down. Last year was awesome with the Minister's Treehouse in Crossville but that's closed now. Looking for somewhere new this year for a quick stop.

Post by th3int3rn3t on Apr 28, 2013 19:26:37 GMT -5

im going to be traveling from the pittsburgh area and i was planning on leaving tuesday morning, but might decide to leave as early as sunday and try to enjoy some traveling around as i lazily make my way toward roo.

we'll be going through Akron, Cincinnati, and louisville and would love to find some good local breweries and things like that where we could spend some time. planning on trying to make a stop at mammoth cave too.